PERIOD. Learning Lab · Free course

Introduction to Menstruation●

It's Periods 101: one course for students, parents and schools: the facts about periods, products and self-care, with no awkwardness and no shame.

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Too many young people get

their first period before

anyone has really explained it●

Periods are a normal, healthy part of life, but they're still wrapped in silence, myths and embarrassment at home and at school. Students are left guessing about their own bodies, while parents and educators aren't sure what to say or how to help.

This can lead to missed class and school activities.

25% of teens have been unable to do schoolwork because they didn't have the period products they needed, and 60% because of period pain and symptoms.

It can lead to shame and secrecy.

Hiding products up a sleeve, avoiding the word "period," and feeling unable to call out sick for cramps..

It can lead to warning signs that go unnoticed.

Without knowing what a "typical" period looks like, it's easy to miss heavy bleeding, severe pain or missed periods that need a doctor's attention.

Ending the tampon tax, getting free products into school restrooms, changing the systems that determine whether products are there at all — that work takes trained organizers, strong youth leaders, and sustained advocacy all year long. The PERIOD. Learning Lab is where that training starts.

When you understand the systems that keep periods in the way of opportunity, you can start changing them in your school, your community, and your state.

Introducing

Intro to Menstruation●

Intro to Menstruation provides a clear, inclusive, and age-appropriate introduction to periods and menstrual health

This course is delivered through audio, text, and interactive worksheets.

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You will learn

What's menstruation is and why it happens
The basic anatomy involved in the menstrual cycle
What to expect before, during, and after a period
Common physical and emotional changes
How to use and choose different period products
Period hygiene and everyday care
How to manage cramps, discomfort, and other common symptoms
The difference between common period experiences and signs that may require support from a healthcare provider
How period stigma, myths, and lack of access can affect people
Ways to communicate about periods with greater confidence and respect

Praise for Intro to Menstruation●

"The medical students involved with PEP across the country have been extremely grateful for Period.org's menstrual health education resources. "

[Katrina Graczyk, Director of Operations, The Period Education Project]

"Period's educational resources have made it easy for me to host workshops and provide menstrual health information to my community."

[Katherine Hoffman, Student Leader, University of Miami]

"We used the Intro to Menstruation curriculum at the menstrual health and hygiene focus group for my reproductive health education initiative, JAEDE, and it was a hit!"

[Shrayanthi Balaji, Student Activist, Fairfax County, VA]

About PERIOD.

PERIOD. is building a future where having a period never gets in the way of going to school, playing a sport, showing up to work, or participating fully in life●

We provide free, open-source education, resources, and research that breaks stigma and equips schools, communities, and advocates to support menstrual equity for all.

What's Inside Intro to Menstruation?

This course goes in depth on the menstrual cycle through written lessons and audio, you will discover all of the essentials of how to make informed choices about period care, including:

Understanding Periods & the Menstrual Cycle

Including anatomy, bleeding patterns, hygiene, discharge, and signs that a period may need medical attention.

Period Products & Access

Explore different types of period products and understand why access to period supplies is connected to dignity, participation, and school success.

Managing Period Pain, PMS & Nutrition

Understand common period symptoms and explore supportive tools for managing discomfort, nutrition, mood changes, and when to seek medical support.

Period Stigma & Culture

Explore how period stigma shows up in families, schools, media, and communities.

Becoming a Period Advocate

How to use what you learned to educate others, advocate for product access, and build period-positive communities.

Plus

[NEW] Workshop Toolkit: Racial Disparities in Menstrual Health
Workshop Toolkit: Planet Positive Periods
Workshop Toolkit: Periods in Prison
[COMING SOON] Course: Athletes + Periods
Resources available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Mandarin and Hindi

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone who wants a clear, foundational understanding of menstruation. It may be especially helpful for young people, parents and caregivers, educators, youth-serving professionals, community organizers, and anyone looking to strengthen their menstrual health knowledge.

Do I need any prior knowledge before taking the course?

No. Intro to Menstruation is a beginner-friendly course that explains each topic in simple, accessible language. No previous menstrual health education or experience is required.

How long will I have access to the course?

Participants can complete the course at their own pace and return to the lessons and resources during the designated course access period. You will have forever access to the course!

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the course lessons, knowledge checks, and final quiz will receive a certificate of completion.

Curriculum on Menstrual Equity For Anyone Ready to Act On It●

The PERIOD. Learning Lab is free, self-paced, and open to anyone.

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